Truly a Super Tuesday ... for Democrats

It's Super Tuesday! Ok, well it might not be by the time you read this. As of this writing, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, and Newt Gingrich have pretty much divided up the states, the votes, and the delegates. As of this writing, Ohio is still neck-and-neck with Romney having pulled into a very narrow lead.

All of this makes Democrats like me happy. Further, the evidence seems to suggest that at least Gingrich and Ron Paul are in this for the long haul; that makes me happier.

[See a collection of political cartoons on the 2012 GOP hopefuls.]

Many expected that after tonight, Gingrich, Paul, or Santorum would bow out gracefully and to leave the path open for Republicans to put their money, their support, and, of course, their votes come November to Mitt Romney; but it doesn't look like that will happen.

Conservatives who feel Romney's too moderate or not right-leaning enough, or those who can't wrap their head around him being a Mormon are still uncomfortable with him as their candidate and look to Santorum or Gingrich to provide an option for them and for what ails them.

And although it was all about, as James Carville once said, "the economy, stupid," now it's about much, much more. Do we provide military support to the citizens of Syria? What happens if Israel attacks Iran? Do we push for tougher sanctions and wait? Etc.

[See a collection of political cartoons on Iran.]

Americans are seeing that the president, uncontested as a candidate pretty much nationwide, will no question have the Democratic platform beneath him while seeking that second term. Americans are seeing this is about much more than just our economy, job creation, or the housing market. And albeit slowly, all three seem to be headed in the right direction.

This now comes down to our safety and security. Mitt Romney may have been governor of Massachusetts, and he might have made a lot of money in the private sector; but his experience with foreign affairs? With the military?

The president spoke Tuesday of launching attacks on Iran not being a game, I hope Americans were listening.

[Read the U.S. News debate:  Should the U.S. Discourage Israel From Attacking Iran?]

For it's Super Tuesday, and those on the right are casting their ballots for the candidate they best feel will represent them, their party, and have a shot at beating our president in November.

As a Democrat, I cringed in the past when Ralph Nader split the vote for the Democrats. Sorry, but I am elated that the Republican candidates might be splitting their own votes, not wanting to put their support behind Mitt Romney.

I guess it comes down to what matters more to them: anyone but Romney or anyone but Obama? Or perhaps they'll join many of us on the left, and even some independents, who might say: who won't lead us into war with Iran?

• See pictures of Super Tuesday voters heading to the polls.
• Check out U.S. News Weekly: an insider's guide to politics and policy
• Follow the Thomas Jefferson Street blog on Twitter at @TJSBlog.

Reader Comments Read all comments (7)

Add Your Thoughts

Comment Name State Select One AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY International Email

Please enter the two words below into the text field underneath the image.

Incorrect please try again

Enter the words above: Enter the numbers you hear:

Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.